How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best crib s for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and mattress support rims for broken or loose components.
It's best to avoid cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or buy a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it takes up more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Additionally, it has only three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the alternatives and it's not as durable as our other options.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a daybed or toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. It is able to be converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grasp objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a large amount of time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure such a good point , you should choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last.